Monthly Newsletter : November 

I hope this update finds you all doing well and feeling loved! As always, I want to take a moment to fill you in on what’s been happening in my life this past month. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy!

One of the highlights of this month was our Hidden Harvest (Fall Secret Santa) exchange. As a team, we each received names and gave out presents to our assigned people. It was such a sweet moment to see how thoughtful everyone was with their gifts, and just a beautiful time to be thankful for the people in the office. It’s truly a blessing that the Lord has me apart of a community that truly cares.

We also had our annual Friendsgiving celebration, which was a blast. I got the chance to play Cajon during worship; there’s something so fulfilling about using the gifts God’s given me in worship. It was an amazing feeling to praise Him through music which is something that I love and enjoy to express.

Honestly, it feels so fulfilling to be able to shepherd these Racers as they take a big step of obedience to go on this trip. My Job is a mix of logistical support and pastoral care, but it’s also a joy to see them becoming more passionate about serving the Lord in everyday ministry.

My Growth Journey

As much as I’ve been pouring into others, I felt the Lord prompting me to seek someone who could pour into me. I’ve been praying about this every since I got to Georgia, and it was amazing how God literally provided. I reached out to Ethan, one of my colleagues who has such a deep love for the Word of God, and asked if he’d be willing to disciple me. Thankfully, he said yes! We’ve been meeting weekly over coffee, diving into Scripture, and learning together. Our conversations have been incredibly rich, and so good. I'm genuinely so grateful for Ethan and him taking time out of his schedule to meet up every week. 

This month was full of some fun and crazy and so random experiences:

• Apartment Hunting: Lily and I toured a super cute apartment that could potentially be a future home for her because she wants to maybe move to Georgia in the Spring—exciting stuff! It even got me thinking about the future in a more serious way… marriage, payments, adulting, all of it! 

• The "Take 5" Incident: Let’s talk about the second weekend of the month. After church, Lily and I went to get my oil changed at Take 5—the name is misleading for my experience but it’s whatever. While Lily and I didn’t think much of the oil change, I merged onto the freeway and found myself  listening to a disturbing scraping sound from under my car. Turns out they forgot to screw my engine splash shield back on properly. Bruh. Literally thank the Lord for zip ties. I ended up fixing it temporarily, and although it was a bit of a nightmare, the whole situation ended up okay. Oh, and I also spilled a dish from Friendsgiving all over my car, so it definitely could get worse if that’s what you're thinking!

• Plant Parent Status: Despite the chaos, I did manage to start my own little indoor garden (of 2 haha). I have a desire to have a bit of a green thumb, but I’m taking it one plant at a time and it’s been fun watching them grow. 

• Boys Night Gone Wrong: The fourth weekend of the month was a bit more lethal. I went out with the guys for a "boys night" and tried a really nice Mexican/Asian fusion place. I usually don’t but I forgot to ask if there were peanuts in my food (I’m allergic). The taco was delicious and a taste I had never tasted before until I realized that that’s the one taste I had been avoiding for almost 2 decades! After a quick trip to the ER, I’m happy to say I’m safe and sound now!

Looking Ahead

I’m excited for the upcoming months and all that God has in store for me. January will bring new training and preparation for my squad’s journey to Georgia, and I’ll continue to meet with Ethan and grow in my faith. I’m also looking forward to the holidays in Boston and spending time with my VoVo and Tia (Grandpa and Aunt in Portuguese) and Memere (Grandma in French). Lily is also coming with me to meet them for the first time! 

Prayer Requests

I also have some prayer requests I would love for you all to be praying over:

• Continued growth in my relationship with the Lord, specifically in deepening my understanding of His Word. I’m excited about what He’s teaching me, and I want to keep growing in wisdom and knowledge.

• Time management as I balance work, friends, Lily, family, and roommates. It’s been a challenge to juggle everything, so prayer for wisdom in how to prioritize my time and energy would be so helpful.

• A renewed and deeper understanding of the Gospel. God has been opening my eyes to new truths and revelations, and I’m praying for continued revelation in this area as I grow in my faith.

• Financial provision for my work and ministry. I’m currently fundraising my income, and while I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received, I’m hoping to raise my monthly support to $1,000 (currently at about $350). My vision is to build a team to support me monthly even if it is a small amount. If everyone reading this Newsletter (to my knowledge 50 people) donated $13 I would be at my monthly goal of $1000! Please pray that God would raise up new monthly partners who feel led to support this journey!

Thank you all for your constant support and encouragement. Whether it’s through prayer, financial support, or just being in my life, I’m so thankful for each of you in a season of being Grateful. Please continue to keep me, my squads, and all of the journeys we’re on in your prayers. God is doing some amazing things, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

Sending you all so much love and joy this holiday season!

Be Blessed,
Nick Furtado